News

posted on 12 July 2008 15:39

An ex-EMC VP is being accused of downloading confidential data by the firm after he filed complaints against it for demoting him when he told management that women in his group were complaining of discrimination.

EMC has recently terminated the employment of Diane Greene, the CEO of its VMware business unit.

Paul Goetz is the ex-VP of Consulting and Management Services concerned. He is now SVP for Sales: Americas at IT services company Savvis, and has filed a complaint against EMC with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The filing mentions demotion and a hostile work environment which he says were imposed on him after he forwarded complaints from women in his group that claim they endured discrimination against them by other EMC managers.

He believes EMC is now simply retaliating against him with its suit. EMC denies this and a spokesperson said: "As a matter of policy, we do not comment on ongoing legal affairs. However, I can tell you this, EMC is vigorously defending the claims made by Goetz and believes they are without merit." 

"EMC has always encouraged an inclusive environment that values and fosters the contributions of all our employees in a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. In addition, EMC has a number of diversity, outreach and mentoring programs for women."

"Additionally, Goetz signed a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement with EMC. He violated these obligations when he took materials belonging to EMC when he resigned, and then refused to return or even account for them. Last month, the Massachusetts Superior Court ordered Mr. Goetz to provide EMC with a copy of all documents he took from EMC by July 11."

Paul Goetz said: "I am unable to comment as this is a legal matter."

[Paul Roberts, news editor.]